PopCap games to be pre-loaded on Xperia Pro, Xperia Mini Pro

Game developer PopCap has announced that it's reached an agreement with Sony Ericsson to pre-load its "Games by PopCap" portal on the upcoming Xperia Pro and Xperia Mini Pro. The deal will see these phones shipping with trial versions of Peggle and Plants vs. Zombies, along with the full version Chuzzle. It'll also be the first chance for Android owners in Europe to get their hands on PopCap's games, as right now these only been available on the Amazon AppStore, which currently turns Europeans away at the door.

The Xperia Pro and Mini Pro are due to land sometime in the third quarter, although there's no firm release date for either device just yet. Join us after the jump for the full presser.

HTC Wildfire S mini-review (Vodafone network)

One fortunate side-effect of all the craziness going on at the expensive end of the smartphone spectrum is that more-affordable devices are starting to become faster and better. Last year’s HTC Wildfire underwhelmed us a little, with its sub-par QVGA screen and relatively meager 384MB of RAM. But earlier this year HTC refreshed many of its mid-range products, and it’s arguably the Wildfire that’s received the biggest boost. The new HTC Wildfire S has a sharper, brighter screen, a faster CPU and more RAM than the original. And like the rest of HTC’s “S” series, it ships with Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

The Wildfire S remains a budget handset, though, selling for £180 on Pay As You Go from Vodafone UK, as well as being offered for free on contract. Read on to find out what kind of smartphone experience HTC has managed to cram into its tiniest Android handset to date.

Samsung Mobile's JK Shin says to expect Galaxy S II in U.S. in August

We're going to wait for the U.S. carriers to announce things before we get too terribly excited, but Samsung Mobile president JK Shin recently told Korean reporters that "We expect to release the Galaxy S II in the U.S. market sometime in August."

Again, we're going to take that with a wee grain of salt until we get word from the U.S. carriers. Not that the man wouldn't know -- you just know how our carriers are.

Lookout has announced the creation of the "Mobile Threat Network" -- designed to automate the process of detection and analysis of applications that pose a threat to the end user's security. Using a mobile security API, protection can be extended not only to the end user, but to the application market as well. Verizon Wireless has gotten on board, and their VCast app store will use the mobile security API to connect with the Mobile Threat Network, the first such company to become involved. We've seen how hard it can be to keep determined people from pushing malware laden applications to market, so we're glad to see any effort to fight against it.

The way it works, applications are scanned and analyzed, with suspicious apps identified. After determining that an application is malicious, Lookout will protect your phone, and the new Mobile Threat Network keeps it from showing up at any market that participates -- like the VCast app store. A fast and efficient way to scan applications and mark potential problem apps for a further investigation sounds like a great solution to a real problem.

It's a sad fact of life that an open market model will have malware. We hate it as much as you do, but it's important that we recognize that it exists. The vast majority of the applications available for the Android platform are perfectly safe to use, written by hard working developers, but one bad Apple can ruin the bunch. Maybe you have the time and know-how to keep yourself safe from malware, but if you want the convenience and security of an automated system from the professionals, it's great that one exists. For more details, read the press release after the break and hit the source link to read more.

Netflix now available on 24 devices -- most tablets still excluded

So, the good: Netflix has quietly added support for a slew of Android phones, bringing the total to 24. That's two dozen devices on which to stream movies to your heart's content -- including the upcoming Motorola Droid Bionic.

And, now, the bad: Except for the Lenovo K1 IdeaPad -- which kinda sorta isn't really on sale yet -- tablets are still nowhere to be found. No Motorola Xoom. No Galaxy Tab 10.1. Heck, no Galaxy Tab 7, either. No ASUS Transformer. No Toshiba Thrive. Odd, to say the least.

But, we'll take what we can get, we suppose. We've got download links for Netflix, plus the full list of supported devices, after the break.

Gingerbread update for the T-Mobile MyTouch 4G scheduled to start July 20

The T-Mobile myTouch 4G is slated to start seeing some of that sweet Gingerbread loving starting tomorrow (July 20). According to T-Mobile, a limited pilot will kick things off, with the broader general roll out to begin in a few weeks. Besides it being Gingerbread, T-Mobile says they're including the latest Swype update, and Exchange 2010 compatibility. In the "resolved issues" column, we have fixes for Bluetooth, saving messages from the inbox, a better domestic roaming signal, a "more responsive" display, and the usual unnamed software and stability improvements.

T-Mobile also make a special note that they will be unable to expedite the software roll-out, so you'll just have to wait your turn. Until someone leaks out the download location, that is -- we'll let you know.

Motorola Droid X2 sees its first custom ROM

Android developer c21johnson has worked up a custom ROM for the Motorola Droid X2. Minimal X, currently in a beta-release stage, is the first available custom ROM for the X2, which still has a locked bootloader. Goes to show that keeping phones locked down won't stop dedicated people from hacking at them, and it a huge waste of resources, and I'll stop there before I go off on a whole 'nother tangent.

The ROM itself has been cleared of any useless bloat, and the system and framework have been edited. As the developer mentions, this makes a great base for some more exotic work to be cooked from, and we expect to see it soon. Of course you'll have to have root, and ignore the drama and use the bootstrap utility that is floating around out there to install. Looks like the X2 is following in its older brother's footsteps and has turned out to be a capable, and hackable, piece of gear. Congrats c21johnson.

HTC Sensation with S-off spotted

If you're sitting there patiently, waiting for some proper S-off action for your HTC Sensation, it appears you might not have to wait much longer, as the folks at AlphaRev apparently have a properly hacked Pyramid in their hands. S-off, of course, is important for having full access to the lower levels of the device. Without it, things like custom ROMs are a wee bit more difficult to accomplish.

Anyhoo, stay tuned for when we see a public release. Until then, enjoy the video.

Google Maps adds more 3D buildings in more cities

Google's just unwrapped more three-dimensional buildings in a number of cities worldwide, including London, Paris, Barcelona, Stockholm, Singapore, Lisbon, Boulder (Colo.) and 11 cities in South Africa. Those are in addition to New York City, Zurich, Milan and others.

You don't have to do anything -- the updated maps are all on Google's side. To view the 3D buildings, just make sure you're viewing things in map mode (not satellite), then zoom in and use two fingers to change the viewing angle.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro checks in at the FCC

It has been quite a while since Sony Ericsson officially announced the Xperia Pro. In that time we've seen bits and pieces of info here and there about it being launched in the UK but now its been featured in a full blown FCC review. It's still missing those glorious 3G bands for the US but it does come with 900MHz and 2100MHz HSPA making it prime for those of you across the pond.

New Desire HD update addresses Wifi issues

According to reports from multiple forums, HTC is now rolling out a new over-the-air update for the Desire HD, bringing the handset up to software version 2.50.405.2. The new software is still based on Android 2.3.3 and Sense 2.1, but includes a fix for Wifi connectivity issues that some users have been experiencing. So far the update is only rolling out to unbranded Desire HD units in Europe, so you may have to wait a little longer if you're using a carrier-branded DHD.

Be sure to let us know in the comments if you've received the update on your Desire HD, and if you're noticing better Wifi performance as a result.

Blue Drone is a Bluetooth controlled R/C car that can be controlled by any Android device running Android 2.0 and higher. It's currently in its initial phase at Kickstarter, where the developer is looking for initial interest in order to justify the production costs. If you're not familiar with Kickstarter, you can opt-in and support a new project, and if the funding goals are met you'll be charged and receive what you've paid for. If the goal isn't met, you aren't charged and the project is left to seek funding elsewhere, or just fizzle away.

This one is way too cool to let that happen. For a buy-in of $59, you'll get a scale model R/C car, and the app to control it from your Android phone or tablet via a Bluetooth connection. The car is controlled via the touchscreen or uses the accelerometer for steering. You'll get three hours use from a trio of AAA batteries, and the whole set-up has a 30 foot range. Check the video above, this looks like loads of fun. Hit the source link for more information.

Announcing the winners of the TeleNav, Sprint, and Android Central EVO 3D giveaway

The two winners of the TeleNav, Sprint, and Android Central EVO 3D giveaway have been chosen from the over 2,100 entries. Without further ado, the winners are (envelope please):

The_Big_H

ThaCounty

We'll pass the e-mail address you used for registering at Android Central on to the right people, who will reach out to you for shipping information. On behalf of all of us here at Android Central, congratulations and enjoy your new EVO 3D -- and be sure to drop by the forums for all the hints and tips about the EVO 3D you'll ever need. Look for more contests and giveaways soon, folks.

Disney publishes their first Android app -- Winnie the Pooh: What's a bear to do?

Disney Publishing has released its first Android application, "Winnie the Pooh: What's a Bear to Do?". It's an interactive children's book, starring one of the most loved characters of our childhood, that's sure to be a hit with any pint-sized Android lovers you have scurrying underfoot around the house. It's more than just an eBook, though. Features of the app include:

Read in any of 5 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, or Japanese!

Professional narration, sound effects, and Winnie the Pooh background music

Readers can record their voice or their child’s reading the story

Three reading modes to suit any reader’s mood: Read to Me, Use My Recording, and Auto Turn pages

Four interactive jigsaw puzzles

Tap ‘n’ Play surprises throughout the story – several new animated sequences added for Android

Pooh’s Cupboard matching game ties in to the story and reinforces color recognition

Visual Index allows readers to jump to their favorite page or puzzle

Disney's published a video (after the break) and I have to say, this looks very nicely done. It's a name your child is sure to know and love, and time spent with a book (even of the application variety) certainly beats time spent in front of the television. You can grab it from the Android Market (devices running 2.0 and higher) for $2.99. The link as well as that video, is after the break.

Motorola Titanium gets official on Sprint on July 24, checks in at a cool $150

Sprint has officially announced that the Motorola Titanium will hit the shelves July 24, for $149.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade and $100 mail-in rebate. The Titanium has a portrait qwerty, 3.1-inch touchscreen, Nextel Direct Connect (chirp!), and is designed to meet Military Specification 810G for dust, shock, vibration, low pressure, solar radiation, high temperature and low temperature. This successor to the Motorola I1 looks to be one tough customer. Toss in an 1820 mAh battery, and there's a lot here to interest anyone who needs a phone that takes the abuse of a day of hard work.

While it's not the powerhouse that some other new Android phones may be, this certainly fills a niche that needs filling by a tough, quality smartphone. And it plays Angry Birds. Hit the break for the press release.

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